Abstract

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is responsible for transcribing a relatively small but vital set of genes, including 5S rRNA and tRNAs. Pol III transcription has been shown to be upregulated in transformed and cancer cells, suggesting an important role in cell growth and proliferation. Its tight regulation is, therefore, fundamental for cell welfare, and a number of factors have been shown to be implicated in its control. These include the tumour suppressors p53 and Rb, as well as p107 and p130, and the basal transcription factor Dr1. The work in this thesis focused on the role of these repressors in regulating Pol III transcription in human cells.